A Newbie's Guide to Tattoo Freeze
The sound of buzzing needles is probably the first thing you’ll hear. Or maybe the bassline of a burlesque performance, a few riffs from an acoustic set. Stalls of goodies, trinkets and clothes entice you already and bodies adorned in art browse the aisles. You’re walking into your first tattoo convention and laid out in front of you is the world’s elite of the industry. It all sounds a little overwhelming and it can be - but we’re here to help! Check out our top tips to planning, booking and getting your ink as well as making the most of what Tattoo Freeze has to offer!
Planning Your Tattoo
When it comes to getting tattooed at a convention, you’re faced with two options. The first is to turn up and scope out the situation on the day by digging through artist portfolios until you find what you’re looking for. Many tattoo artists won’t have booked themselves solid, and instead offer to do ‘walk-ups’. If so, chances are the artist will have tons of sketches ready to go, one of which could be just what you’re looking for. Top Tip: Talk! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make conversation. Tattoo artists are people, not monsters and we promise they don’t bite - although their needles might sting a little!
The second option is to pre-book. If you see an artist is a guest at a show you happen to be at, don’t take any chances on there being a spot for you on the day - get in contact before the show and book your tattoo! Tattoo artists are popular and slots will fill up quickly, so make sure you’re fast to reserve your new ink. However, if you miss out, don’t panic. If your chosen artist is international, it is worth remembering that they could be in the country a little longer, taking a guest spot at a local studio. So don’t be afraid to ask and keep a keen eye on their social media for any opportunities. Nearly everyone is on Facebook, so don’t be afraid to get in contact with artists and be sure to check out the convention’s website, Facebook page for all the latest news.
One last piece of advice - do your homework. If you’re coming to a show to get a tattoo, research the artists you like and come with an idea. All good shows will have an up-to-date artist list where you can check out specific artists and get in touch with them, so make good use of it!
Getting Your Tattoo
So you’ve got your ticket, you’ve booked your tattoo, you’ve met your artist, and you’re totally psyched about getting your new ink. All of a sudden, you realise you’re getting inked in a place that’s gonna mean getting some flesh out, and a fair few thousand people are walking about. Nervous? Don’t be! This is what these guys are here for (no, not for you flashing specifically), but for the great artwork you’re about to receive. Own it! Passers-by and their questions might even distract you from the sensations running through your body, and you’ll no doubt find that convention-goers are full of compliments! So don’t be shy, it’s a pretty unique experience!
Top Tip: Make sure you wear suitable clothing. If you’re gunning for a big piece, make sure you’ve got some comfortable clothes for afterwards!
What’s Going On?
You’re at the show, and your husband, wife, best mate or Grandma is off getting tattooed - so what’s going to keep you entertained whilst they’re getting inked? Fear not! Plenty is going on. If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to go and investigate some of the artists and meet them in person.
Top tip: A lot of artists will be ‘in-the-zone’. Being ‘in-the-zone’ can often be diagnosed by the following symptoms: headphones, furrowed brows, head torches and tongues hanging out.
You’re also likely to be tempted by a whole host of vendors, selling everything from clothing to tattoo-related artwork. These stalls are home to loads of treasures and we challenge you not to fall in love with at least one trinket!
Top Tip: Most vendors and traders deal with cash-only transactions, so stock up the wallet to avoid queues.
As much as tattoo conventions are about tattooing, they are also about great entertainment for all the family. There is a massive amount of stuff going on at our shows, from chilled acoustic music, the iconic fuel girls and access to Camper Mart (within the same building)
